Posts Tagged ‘Florida Contractor’s License’
Thursday, December 6th, 2012
The following information was found on Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website under “important information:”
Reporting Requirement for Criminal Convictions
“As of October 1, 2009, Section 455.227(1)(t), Florida Statutes requires all professional licensees to report to the department within 30 days of being convicted or found guilty of, or having plead nolo contendere or guilty to a crime in any jurisdiction. The statute also requires the reporting of any convictions that occurred prior to October 1, 2009. A licensee who fails to report that information may be subject to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension or license revocation. To report this information, complete the criminal self-reporting document mail it to the department.”
This ends the information from the DBPR.
Do not put your Florida Professional License in jeopardy. Your license is your livelihood.
Whether you are veterinarian, cosmetologist, barber, mortgage broker, appraiser, doctor, lawyer, CPA, realtor, architect, engineer, stockbroker, nurse, auctioneer, contractor, or pharmacist, a professional license is a prerequisite for doing business in the State of Florida. We assist in the application process and help you understand and comply with all applicable government regulations associated with your license. We also defend you against attacks on your professional license and represent you before the appropriate administrative board. For more information regarding professional licensing law, contact Soreide Law Group at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com or call (888) 760-6552.
Tags: administrative complaint, banning nurses for felony convictions, Board of Pharmacy disciplinary action, DBPR, Defending professional license in FLorida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action against Florida pharmacists, Disciplinary actions against chiropractors in Florida, disciplinary actions against nurses, Florida Contractor's License, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida license, Florida license attorney, Florida license lawyer, reporting criminal activity Florida licensee, reporting criminal convictions for license holders in FL, reporting criminal history for nurses, unlicensed contractors, unlicensed professionals
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Thursday, June 14th, 2012
If your Florida contractors license was suspended unexpectedly and you aren’t sure why, it’s possible that the suspension is for failing to comply with the disciplinary actions taken against your license by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) or failure to comply with the terms of probation on your license. If the CILB has taken disciplinary action against your license or placed your license on a term of probation, you may have items that require your compliance in order to maintain your license in a current active status. It could also be that you may have outstanding fines or investigative costs that you owe to the Department; or you may have failed to provide proof of restitution made to a homeowner.
If you were given a period of probation, you may not have complied with the terms of that probation. You may have even been ordered to take additional continuing education hours, but haven’t provided proof that they have been completed. All of these things must be considered.
Attorney Lars K. Soreide, of the Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors regarding licensing issues. To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com .
Tags: administrative complaint, CILB, Construction Industry Licensing Board, contractractor license issues, DBPR, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action, Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, Florida Board of Contractors, Florida Certified Contractor, Florida Contractor's License, Florida Contractors license attorney, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida license, Florida license attorney, Florida license lawyer, license lawyer in Florida, Professional Regulation, unlicensed activity, unlicensed contractors, unlicensed contractors advertising, Unlicensed General Contracting in Florida
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Monday, May 7th, 2012
Daniel Vasquez, a columnist from the Sun Sentinel asks in a May, 6th., 2012, article, “Would you place your air-conditioning unit or roof in the hands of a fly-by-night company to save a buck? Are there more unlicensed contractors offering bargains across Florida because of the bad economy?”
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America, are looking for the answer. For the past five months they have met with local contractors across the state to try to understand how widespread the problem of unlicensed contractor activity is, and to explore the possible solutions.
Vasquez writes that the most recent forum was held three weeks ago at The Westin in Fort Lauderdale, where three-dozen contractors showed up to gripe and strategize.
“What we heard in Fort Lauderdale is a reiteration of what we have heard from contractors throughout the state,” said Phil London, former president of the Florida chapter of the ACCA and current vice chair of the national organization, which represents more than 4,000 contractors. Based on what he heard at the forums held in South and Central Florida, “unlicensed activities seem to be increasing with the downturn of the economy and lack of enforcement funds within local building departments,” London said.
It was reported that Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation received 797 complaints related to air-conditioning companies in 2011, compared to 1,056 in 2010.
According to the Sun-Sentinel article, contractors at the Orlando and Fort Lauderdale meetings said among the issues that lead to unlicensed activity is the fact that wholesalers may sell air-conditioning equipment to unlicensed contractors, and that homeowners too often feel comfortable hiring a “handyman” for repairs and installations. This could result in risks to the homeowner. If someone whould get hurt while working on your property, you could be sued. Also, the unlicensed contracted may not have the proper insurance or capital to repair damage caused to property.
Vasquez says that taking chances with your biggest investment is not worth the risk. It only takes homework and time to find a reputable contractor. Along with air-conditioning companies, the state requires about two-dozen industries to be registered or certified, including roofing, plumbing and swimming pool companies.
Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors regarding licensing issues. To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com .
Tags: ACCA of Florida, Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Class A air-conditioning contractor's license in FL, Class B air-conditioning contractor in Florida, Class C Air-Conditioning Contractor's License in Florida, DBPR, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action, Florida Board of Contractors, Florida Contractor's License, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida license, Florida license attorney, Florida license lawyer, Professional Regulation, unlicensed activity, unlicensed air conditioning contractors, unlicensed contractors, unlicensed contractors in Florida, unlicensed professionals
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Thursday, February 9th, 2012
The following information was obtained from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website for December, 2011:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Regulation (DBPR) conducted a sting this week that targeted unlicensed contractors performing electrical and/or construction work in the Jacksonville area. As a result of the sting, seven individuals in Duval County provided verbal and written estimates to Department investigators and will be served cease and desist notices or citations which will be forwarded to the local State Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Investigators received advertisements from internet sites where the unlicensed individuals were offering their services that require a state license.
The Department’s Division of Regulation is the enforcement authority for the professional boards and programs that fall under Department jurisdiction. One of the Division’s goals is to bring unlicensed individuals into compliance with state law.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and veterinarians to accountants, contractors and cosmetologists.
This ends the information obtained from the DBPR’s website.
Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors regarding licensing issues. To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com .
Tags: administrative complaint, Construction Industry Licensing Board, contractors illegally advertising, DBPR, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action, Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, Florida Board of Contractors, Florida Contractor's License, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida license, Florida license attorney, Florida license lawyer, Internet sites unlicensed contractors, Professional Regulation, sting on contractors in Florida, unlicensed activity, unlicensed contractors, unlicensed contractors advertising, Unlicensed contractors advertising on Internet, unlicensed contractors on Craigslist.org, unlicensed electrical contractors, unlicensed professionals
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Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
This information was found on Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website.
A Contractor is someone who demolishes, subtracts from, builds or improves any building or structure for compensation. Examples of compensation are cash, goods, services, etc. Essentially, if you pay someone to construct a building or a structure, make structural alterations to load bearing walls, or perform services such as plumbing or air conditioning work, that person has to have a state contractors’ license.
These items are offered as examples of services you do need to hire a person with a Florida license and services you do not need to hire a person with a Florida license. The list is not all inclusive. If you have specific questions, please contact the department at 850.487.1395 or review the rules for the profession at www.myfloridalicense.com. You should also check with your county or city to learn whether or not a local business tax receipt or certificate of competency is required for services that do not require a state license.
| Needs a License |
Does not need a license |
| Build a carport or sunroom for compensation. |
Install a driveway or install pavers/tile walkways regardless of compensation. |
| Construct a roof for compensation. |
Install awnings that do not become a fixed part of the structure regardless of compensation. |
| Install a dishwasher (requires connecting to drinking water) or replace a hot-water heater for compensation. |
Add a water filter onto a faucet regardless of compensation. |
| Install a central air-conditioning unit for compensation (requires structural work and wiring). |
Insert a plug-in A/C window unit regardless of compensation. |
| Clean central air and heat ducts for compensation (requires partial disassembly of the system, such as removal of air grills). |
Change an A/C filter or cleaning ducts that do not require removal of the air grills regardless of compensation. |
| Repair or replace swimming pool pumps for compensation. |
Clean swimming pools.Install an above-ground pool regardless of compensation. |
| Perform plumbing work or irrigation installation that requires the contractor to connect lines to potable (drinking) water for compensation. |
Install or repair irrigation systems that have a backflow preventer connected to a potable (drinking) water supply regardless of compensation. |
| Build a barn, metal building, or detached garage for compensation. |
Install prefabricated tool shed less than 250 square feet in size regardless of compensation. The shed may be up to 400 square feet if it bears the insignia of approval from the Department of Community Affairs. |
| Remodel a home that requires alteration or replacement of a load-bearing wall for compensation. |
Paint; install cabinets, wood or tile flooring, and insulation regardless of compensation. |
| Installation or replacement of drywall if the contract also includes work on the load bearing part of the wall, plumbing, electrical, or air conditioning work. |
Installation or replacement of drywall if the contract does not include other work on the load bearing part of the wall or any plumbing, electrical, or air conditioning work. |
Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors regarding licensing issues. To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com .
Tags: administrative complaint, Construction Industry Licensing Board, DBPR, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action, Florida Board of Contractors, Florida Contractor license, Florida Contractor's License, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida license lawyer, Florida licensed contractors, general contractor license in Florida, Professional Regulation, state contractors' license in Florida, unlicensed activity, unlicensed contractors, Unlicensed General Contracting in Florida, unlicensed professionals
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Monday, October 25th, 2010
TAMPA—On October 13th., 2010, Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in partnership with the Tampa Police Department, conducted a contracting sting operation, resulting in three arrests. Unlicensed contractors were arrested by the Tampa Police Department and issued administrative penalties by DBPR.
“We are committed to continuing sting operations to keep the public safe and protect them from unlicensed and unscrupulous contractors,” said Secretary Charlie Liem. “We appreciate the support and partnership from Tampa Police Department.”
It was noted that the Tampa Police Department gathered advertisements for plumbing and electrical services from Craigslist.org. Unlicensed contractors were asked to come to the “sting” location to provide a proposal for work that requires a state license. When the individuals failed to provide their state-required license, they were arrested by TPD and issued citations by DBPR. In addition to arrests, investigators provided information on how to obtain a license. The ultimate goal is to bring the individuals into compliance with state law and protect consumers.
This information was obtained from Florida’s DBPR’s website.
Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors regarding contractors licensing issues. To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com
Tags: administrative complaint, Construction Industry Licensing Board, craigslist.com unlicensed contractors, DBPR, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action, Florida Board of Contractors, Florida Contractor's License, Florida license lawyer, sting on contractors in Tampa, unlicensed activity, unlicensed contractors, unlicensed contractors in Florida, unlicensed contractors on Craigslist.org, unlicensed professionals
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Thursday, September 30th, 2010
VERO BEACH—On September 16, 2010, Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Regulation investigators conducted a sweep of Vero Beach for unlicensed electrical contactors. During the sweep, investigators visited 14 jobsites, checked 14 licenses and issued six cease and desist notices to unlicensed electrical contractors.
“DBPR is dedicated to ensuring compliance with state laws and protecting Floridians from the harm posed by hiring unlicensed contractors. Quarterly sweep and sting operations send a strong message that unlicensed activity will not be tolerated,” said Secretary Charlie Liem.
This Vero Beach sweep was part of DBPR’s quarterly statewide unlicensed activity operation. This quarter, department investigators focused on the smaller professions regulated by the department, such as landscape architects, auctioneers and talent agents. The department is charged with regulating 18 different professions with more than 410,000 licensees.
If you hire an unlicensed individual that can threaten the financial and personal safety of consumers, as well as the livelihood of state-licensed professionals. Unlicensed individuals may not carry workers’ compensation or liability insurance, and consumers may end up paying for injuries on the job. Additionally, unlicensed individuals often underbid licensed professionals, which results in law-abiding professionals losing work to those who do not meet state licensure requirements.
Florida’s DBPR’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.
This information was obtained from the DBPR’s website.
Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors regarding licensing issues. To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com .
Tags: administrative complaint, DBPR, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action, Florida Board of Contractors, Florida Contractor's License, florida electrical contractor's license, Florida license, Florida license attorney, Florida license lawyer, unlicensed activity, unlicensed contractors, Unlicensed electrical contracting in Florida, unlicensed electrical contractors
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Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
JACKSONVILLE—Friday, Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, completed a three-day sting called “Operation Hammerdown” targeting unlicensed contactors. Twenty-two unlicensed contractors were issued cease and deists notices by DBPR and notices to appear by JSO.
“We are committed to taking proactive measures to keep the public safe and protect them from unlicensed and unscrupulous contractors,” said Secretary Charlie Liem. “We will continue partnerships with local law enforcement to ensure Floridians are protected.”
Florida’s DBPR investigators gathered advertisements for construction work from online classifieds, such as Craigslist.org. Suspected unlicensed contractors were asked to come to the “sting” house to give estimates for work that requires licensure. When the individuals failed to provide their contractor licenses, they were issued notices and cease and desist and notices to appear for unlicensed contracting. Investigators also provided information on how to obtain a license. The ultimate goal is to bring the individuals into compliance with state law and protect consumers.
Below are precautions that consumers can take to help protect themselves from unlicensed individuals:
- Always ask to see the State of Florida license.
- Note the license number and verify that the license is current. To check a license, call 850-487-1395 or visit myfloridalicense.com.
- Ask for references and check each one.
- Do not pay cash and be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.
- Get everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date and the total cost.
- Report suspected unlicensed activity at myfloridalicense.com or toll-free at 1-866-532-1440.
This information was obtained from Florida’s DBPR’s website.
Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors regarding licensing issues. To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com .
Tags: administrative complaint, DBPR, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action, Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, Florida Contractor's License, Florida license, Florida license lawyer, Operation Hammerdown, Sate of Florida Licensing requirements, unlicensed activity, unlicensed contractors, unlicensed contractors in jacksonville fl, unlicensed contractors on Craigslist.org, unlicensed professionals
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010
NORTH PALM BEACH—On September 2, 2010, Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Regulation investigators, in partnership with the North Palm Beach Building Department, cited five individuals for providing contracting services without a license. The department issued one citation and four cease and desist notices.
Below are precautions that consumers can take to help protect themselves from unlicensed individuals:
Check whether a state license is required for the work to be performed by visiting “What Services Require a DBPR License.”
- Always ask to see the State of Florida license.
- Note the license number and verify that the license is current. To check a license, call 850-487-1395.
- Ask for references and check each one.
- Do not pay cash and be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.
- Get a Release of Lien covering all workers and materials. This removes your property from the threat of lien.
- Get everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date and the total cost.
Florida’s DBPR’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.
This information was obtained from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website.
Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors regarding licensing issues. To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com
Tags: administrative complaint, Construction Industry Licensing Board, DBPR, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action, Florida Board of Contractors, Florida Certified Contractor, Florida Contractor's License, Florida license, Florida license lawyer, license defense lawyer, unlicensed activity, unlicensed contractors, unlicensed professionals
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Friday, August 27th, 2010
Key Largo—On Aug. 23, it was announced that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Regulation partnered with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the county Code Compliance Office and the State Attorney for the 16th Judicial Circuit to execute a sting operation that resulted in the arrest of two individuals, John Bowen Jr. and Michael Quintana, for unlicensed contracting.
The article says that a sting operation is an operation in which suspected unlicensed individuals are invited to a decoy jobsite and asked to provide an estimate for work that requires a state license. Once they provide that estimate and fail to provide their state-required license, they are arrested. In addition to the arrest, investigators provide information on how to obtain a license. The ultimate goal is to bring the individuals into compliance with state law and protect consumers.
Below are precautions that consumers can take to help protect themselves from unlicensed individuals:
Check whether a state license is required for the work to be performed by visiting “What Services Require a DBPR License.”
- Always ask to see the State of Florida license.
- Note the license number and verify that the license is current. To check a license, call 850-487-1395 or visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
- Ask for references and check each one.
- Do not pay cash and be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.
- Get a Release of Lien covering all workers and materials. This removes your property from the threat of lien.
- Get everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date and the total cost.
The DBPR reminds us that the department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
This information was obtained from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website.
Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Contractors regarding licensing issues. To make an appointment to speak with an experienced and qualified attorney please call Soreide Law Group at: (888) 760-6552 or visit our website at: www.floridaprofessionallicense.com
Tags: administrative complaint, Construction Industry Licensing Board, DBPR, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, disciplinary action, Florida Board of Contractors, Florida Contractor's License, Florida license, Florida license lawyer, license lawyer in Florida, unlicensed contractors, Unlicensed General Contracting in Florida
Posted in Florida License Issues | Comments Off